Global Bites , Happy Guts : A Traveler’s Guide to Prevent Gastrointestinal Woes

You’re on a dream holiday—sun, sea, and new adventures ahead. But halfway through the journey, the excitement fades as nausea creeps in, your head spins, and your stomach churns. You’ve just met an unwelcome travel companion: motion sickness.

Motion Sickness is a common condition marked by dizziness, an uneasy stomach, and sometimes vomiting. It isn’t a disease, but rather your body’s reaction to an unfamiliar motion environment. The root cause lies in what scientists call “sensory conflict.” Your brain processes information from three main systems:

• The vestibular system in the inner ear, which senses movement and balance.
• Your eyes, which detect what you see around you.
• Proprioceptors in your muscles and joints, which sense your body’s position.

When these systems disagree—for example, if your inner ear senses motion but your eyes focus on a still object—your brain gets conflicting messages. This confusion can trigger the symptoms known as motion sickness.¹

It can happen anywhere: in cars, on boats, in planes, on roller coasters, and even in virtual reality environments.²  Some people are extremely sensitive and react to the slightest motion, while others barely notice even in rough conditions.

Preventing Motion Sickness

The best strategy is prevention, and small adjustments can make a big difference. Experts recommend:1-2

• Choose the most stable seat—over the wings in a plane, midship on a boat, or front seat in a car.
• Fix your gaze on the horizon to help align what your eyes and inner ear are telling your brain.
• Limit head movement and avoid reading while in motion.
• Ensure good ventilation, as fresh air can ease symptoms.
• Gradually expose yourself to motion over time to help your body adapt.

For some travellers, medication can help. First-generation antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate or meclozine are proven to reduce the likelihood of symptoms, especially if taken before travel.2-3 These medicines can cause drowsiness, so they’re best used with caution if you need to stay alert.

Easing Symptoms

If motion sickness strikes despite your best efforts, you can still take steps to feel better. Lie down with your eyes closed, keep your head still, or look out at a stable point on the horizon.2 Avoid heavy meals, strong smells, and dehydration.

Medications used for prevention—like antihistamines and anticholinergics—can also be taken after symptoms begin, though they’re generally more effective beforehand.³

Travelling Without the Quease

While motion sickness can put a damper on your plans, it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. By understanding your triggers, making smart seating choices, and using proven prevention and treatment strategies, you can keep discomfort at bay. 

Visit your nearest BIG Pharmacy to know more about how to keep motion sickness away so that whether you’re setting sail, taking off, or hitting the road, you’ll be ready to say: Jet set, go!

 

References

1. Leung A.K.C., & Hon K.L. Motion sickness: An overview. Drugs in Context. 2019; 8, 1–11.
2. Brainard A., & Gresham C. Prevention and Treatment of Motion Sickness. American Family Physician, 2014; 90(1), 41–46.
3. Liang K., Liu Y., Wang W., & Geng R. Research Progress in the Treatment of Motion Sickness. International Journal of Biology and Life Sciences, 2022; 1(1), 43–46.